Injury concerns pile up for Manchester City ahead of Luton Town match

Following on from Manchester City’s 3-all draw with Real Madrid earlier this week, the champions host Luton Town in Premier League action this weekend. For Manchester City, it is another crucial game in this season’s title race. Heading into the game, there are several players either out with injuries or in doubt for the clash with Luton Town at the Etihad.

Two players who appear certain to miss the must win game are Kyle Walker and Nathan Ake. The pair are currently injured, and a timeline hasn’t been announced for their return.

Jack Gaughan has reported for the Daily Mail that Kyle Walker is desperate to return from a hamstring injury. Gaughan reports that Manchester City’s medical staff have held Walker back from returning early. Furthermore, Jack Gaughan adds that Walker is desperate to aid his team’s chase for the treble this season.

Phil Foden picked up a knock late in the draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. He was substituted late in the game and is in doubt for this Saturday’s match with Luton Town. Speaking with TNT Sports after the game, which was relayed by the Standard Foden moved quickly to allay any fears over the injury he sustained in Spain. The England international said after the game: “Just got a bad dead leg at the end, time to recover before next games, so hopefully I can.”

Kevin De Bruyne was removed from the starting lineup against Real Madrid due to illness. Jeremy Cross has reported for the Daily Star that the Belgian international suffered from food poisoning before their clash with Real. Furthermore, Cross reports that Manchester City believes that De Bruyne should be available to start against Luton Town.

John Stones also picked up an injury concern at the Bernabeu. City’s midfield general Rodri told the media after the game, which was relayed in the Daily Mail that John Stones played through the pain barrier at the Bernabeu. Rodri said: “John (Stones) was tight and had some problems at the end. But he showed his courage because he knew that the team needed him.”

Rodri himself may also miss Saturday’s game at the Etihad. City’s midfield general is in desperate need of a rest. Saturday’s game may be one of the rare occasions when the champions can rest arguably their most important player. It remains to be seen what action will be taken by Manchester City and Pep Guardiola to ensure Rodri is fresh and firing for the big games ahead.

An update on the Manchester City squad is expected when Pep Guardiola faces the media tomorrow. A host of City stars are in doubt for the clash with Luton, which is a concern given what’s at stake on Saturday.